The 80th fighter group was formed at Mitchel Field in New York in 1942. Initially training on P-47s for assignment to the European Theatre. A change in Wartime priorities resulted in the 80th Fighter Group, consisting of the 88th, 89th, and 90th Fighter Squadrons instead being diverted to Karachi, India, where they were equipped with P-40Ns. In mid 1943, the Group deployed to the Assam Valley, where the mission was the air defense of the 10th Air Force bases in the valley, engaged in the “Hump Airlift Operation” and ground support operations for the allied drives in Northern Burma.

The 80th group P-40s had a deaths head skull painted on each side of the engine cowling, which was intended to send a message of terror to the Japanese ground forces. A belly mounted air siren was sometimes used, which created what was called the ‘Banshee Wail’.

P-40N Warhawk or Kittyhawk IV

The P-40N was the last major production model of the P-40 series. It was the fastest P-40 at 378 mph. Curtiss made a number of modifications in order to improve the breed. Every effort was made to lighten the aircraft. The front wing tank was removed. Two machine guns were eliminated (later reinstated). Smaller lighter wheels were used and aluminium oil coolers and radiators replaced the old heavy brass versions. To improve rearward visibility a modification was made to the canopy giving it a frameless sliding hood and the rear deck was cut out deeper while the aft portion of the canopy was squared off. This was the primary external distinction of the P-40N from previous versions.

The Model

The P-40N is one of Hobby Master's newest toolings and it is a real gem. This is the first USAAF release and represents an aircraft from the 89th Fighter Squadron from the 80th Fighter Group also known as the "Burma Banshees". All the features unique to the "N" version of the P-40 are present including the larger flame suppressing exhaust stacks as seen on the actual aircraft.

Below: Actual aircraft "Joanne" Number 49. Note that the drop tank is on backwards. The Spinner was red which was the colour used by the 89th FS (White Spinners were used by the 88th FS and blue were used by the 90th FS). The wheel covers have a pair of dice painted on with 4 and 3 adding up to 7. All these features are on the model.

All the parts of my model fit together very well. No quality control issues were present and the paint quality was flawless. The only niggle I have is with the new Pilot figure supplied. He seems a bit more rudimentary than those that were issued before. All in all a fantastic model. Highly recommended.